Family focussed cycling programme to be trialled in Guernsey
- Traffic & Highway Services and the Health Improvement Commission are introducing a Bikeability Family programme.
- The programme aims to teach parents and children safe cycling practices on Guernsey’s roads.
- Sessions will include practical coaching in a traffic-free environment and road cycling skills.
- Two groups are planned, each with specific session dates at different locations.
- Participants need to be able to cycle confidently and provide their own roadworthy bikes and equipment.
Traffic & Highway Services, in collaboration with the Health Improvement Commission, is set to launch a trial of a new Bikeability Family programme aimed at parents or guardians and their children.
This initiative seeks to provide practical guidance and best-practice techniques, equipping families with the skills and confidence necessary for safe cycling on Guernsey’s roads, particularly as summer approaches.
Holly Lindsay, Transport Strategy Implementation Officer for Traffic & Highway Services, said: “We are delighted to launch our Bikeability Family Programme.
"Bikeability Level 1 and Level 2 are well embedded in local schools, and we are now keen to see how we can support islanders outside of these age groups with their cycling on the roads.
"We often hear from parents and guardians seeking advice on how best to cycle with their children on the roads, so we hope this will further support our island community and make cycling more accessible to all.”
The course will commence in a traffic-free setting, where trained instructors will coach up to 12 adults in essential cycling skills.
Following the initial coaching, the group will transition to public roads to focus on four core skills: observation, communication, road positioning, and understanding road priority.
Part of this training includes teaching parents how to safely shepherd young riders when cycling as a family unit.
During the first session, additional instructors will engage with the children in a traffic-free area, facilitating the development of fundamental skills through enjoyable games and obstacle-based activities.
By the end of the course, the objective is for parents to confidently supervise their children on the roads, with all participants progressing together as families.
To qualify for the course, all participants should already be able to cycle in a playground environment confidently, and adults must be capable of independent cycling on the road.
Everyone needs to bring their own safe, roadworthy bikes and necessary safety equipment, including helmets.
The initial trial will accommodate two groups:
Group one – Les Beaucamps High School
- Session one: Sunday, 12th April, 2:30-4pm
- Session two: Sunday, 26th April, 2:30-4pm
Group two - St Sampson’s High School
- Session one: Saturday, 18th April, 12-1:30pm
- Session two: Saturday, 2nd May, 12-1:30pm
Amy Woollaston, Active Travel Officer for the Health Improvement Commission, commented, "Learning to cycle should be a rite of passage for every child. Bikeability gives young people the skills and confidence to cycle safely on our roads, but it doesn’t end at the school gate.
"We want children to enjoy cycling throughout their lives, including as a form of active travel, and that means supporting the entire family to ride regularly outside of school.”
Spaces are limited during this trial phase, though a waiting list will be established depending on demand.
Sign up through gov.gg/bikeabilityfamily
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